Electromagnetic fields and nanomagnetic particles increase the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) are widely used in a number of cell therapies and have osteogenic differentiation capacity. Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) increases the osteogenic differentiation of hBM-MSCs. Nanomagnetic particles (MPs) also promote the differentiation potential of stem cells.

A giant retroperitoneal lymphangioma in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is a genetically inherited disorder that may cause skin abnormalities and tumors that form on nerve tissues. These tumors can be small or large and can occur anywhere in the body, including the brain, spinal cord, or other peripheral nerves. Retroperitoneal lymphangiomas are very rare benign malformations of the lymphatic system.

Association between changes in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and changes in left ventricular mass index in stable hemodialysis patients.

Background/aims: Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is a powerful predictor of mortality in dialysis patients. Serial measurements of LV mass provide prognostic information. We evaluated the association between changes in biomarkers and changes in LV mass index (LVMI) in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

[Difference in time of bowel sounds and passing of gas in abdominal hysterectomy patients having San-Yin-Jia (SP-6) acupressure].

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare differences in the time when bowel sounds were heard and gas was passed in women who had an abdominal hysterectomy and were treated for 5 minutes (experimental group A) or 10 minutes (experimental group B) with San-Yin-Jiao (SP-6) acupressure.

Method: The design of this study was a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized post test only design. The participants included 142 women, 39 in experimental group A, 30 in experimental group B, and 73 in the control group.

Concurrent FP (5-fluorouracil, cisplatin) Chemoradiotherapy for Patients with Esophageal Cancer.

Purpose: The outcomes of a surgical approach for patients with an esophageal carcinoma remain unsatisfactory despite its high complication rates. We conducted a phase II trial, using combined FP (5-fluorouracil and cisplatin) chemotherapy and concurrent radiotherapy, as a definitive therapy for patients with esophageal cancer.

Materials And Methods: Patients with histologically proven esophageal cancer were enrolled onto this study.

[Effects of genetic polymorphisms of ethanol-metabolizing enzymes on alcohol drinking behaviors].

Background/aims: Genetic variations of ethanol-metabolizing enzymes can affect alcohol drinking behavior. The aims of this study were to investigate and compare the distributions of these genetic polymorphisms between a healthy control group and a heavy drinker group which included an alcoholic liver cirrhosis group.

Methods: Genotypes of ADH2, ALDH2, CYP2E1, and catalase were identified by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism.